Producing solutions from concentrates

• US 9,731,254 B2
• Filed: 01/12/2017
• Issued: 08/15/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 01/12/2016
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: SudSense, LLC
• Original Assignee: SudSense, LLC
• Inventors: Gunia, Nicholas Alexander, Gunia, Matthew Karl, Gunia, Mark Kurt, Chartier, Joel Raymond, Muser, Andrew Paul, Vergin, Matthew William, Donahue, Ryan Carroll, Viera, Jason Lee, Lozinski, Gerald Joseph, Strobel, Todd Alan
• Primary Examiner(s): Rashid, Abbas
• Application Number:
  US15/404,931
• Publication Number:
  US 20170197188A1
• Time in Patent Office: 215 Days
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 2101/21 Mixing of ingredients for cosmetic or perfume compositions
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 2101/4505 Mixing ingredients comprising detergents, soaps, for washing, e.g. washing machines
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 23/43 using driven stirrers
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 23/483 using water for diluting a liquid ingredient, obtaining a predetermined concentration or making an aqueous solution of a concentrate
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 27/88 with a separate receptacle-stirrer unit that is adapted to be coupled to a drive mechanism
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 35/2207 Use of data, i.e. barcodes, 3D codes or similar type of tagging information, as instruction or identification codes for controlling the computer programs, e.g. for manipulation, handling, production or compounding in mixing plants B01F33/848 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 35/2209 Controlling the mixing process as a whole, i.e. involving a complete monitoring and controlling of the mixing process during the whole mixing cycle
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 35/42 Clamping or holding arrangements for mounting receptacles on mixing devices
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 35/714112 the measuring chambers being channels extending between both front faces of a rotating cylinder or disc
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 35/7174 using pistons, plungers or syringes
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 35/71795 Squeezing a flexible container

Abstract

The present disclosure provides systems and methods for locally producing a solution using a concentrate. In a localized solution production unit, a solution is identified in association with the concentrate. A mixing profile is selected from among a plurality of mixing profiles based on the solution identified. A base fluid is dispensed into a mixing container docked in a container dock. The mixing container includes a mixing impeller rotatably coupled to the mixing container via an impeller shaft extending from a base of the mixing container. A controller actuates an actuator in the container dock to cause an impeller in the mixing container to rotate. The concentrate is dispensed into the mixing container and mixed with the base fluid via the impeller based on the selected mixing profile.

Claims

1. A localized solution production unit for producing a solution from a concentrate pod comprising:

a mixing container including a mixing impeller rotatably coupled to the container via an impeller shaft extending from a base of the mixing container, the mixing container including an opening at a neck of the container;

a pod dock configured to removably receive the concentrate pod, the pod dock including a dock outlet, the concentrate pod including a sealable spout portion configured to be positioned in the dock outlet and extend therethrough, the sealable spout portion configured to release a concentrate from the concentrate pod into the mixing container, the pod dock configured to move the sealable spout portion of the concentrate pod into the opening at the neck of the mixing container for a direct transfer of the concentrate from the concentrate pod into the mixing container;

a container dock coupled to the pod dock and configured to removably receive and engage the mixing container during a distribution of one or more of a base fluid flowing from a base fluid source and the concentrate released from the concentrate pod through the sealable spout portion of the concentrate pod, the container dock configured to retain the mixing container during a mixture of the base fluid and the concentrate, the container dock including an actuator and a rotatable coupling connected to the actuator, the rotatable coupling configured to rotatably actuate the impeller shaft to rotate the mixing impeller of the mixing container; and

a controller communicably coupled to the actuator and the base fluid source, the controller configured to select a mixing profile from among a plurality of mixing profiles based on a solution identification, the controller configured to cause the actuator to rotate after the impeller is submerged by the distribution of the base fluid to generate a vortex in the mixing container prior to distribution of the concentrate and to mix the base fluid and the concentrate based on the selected mixing profile.

2. The localized solution production unit according to claim 1, wherein the pod dock includes one or more surfaces configured to move with respect to another surface of the pod dock to change a volume within the pod dock so as to squeeze the concentrate pod positioned in the pod dock and evacuate the concentrate from the concentrate pod.

3. The localized solution production unit according to claim 1, wherein the pod dock includes at least one roller configured to move in the pod dock to squeeze the concentrate pod positioned in the pod dock and evacuate the concentrate from the concentrate pod.

4. The localized solution production unit according to claim 1, further comprising a plunger configured to slide in the pod dock to press the concentrate from the concentrate pod.

5. The localized solution production unit according to claim 1, further comprising a user interface configured to receive an input providing the solution identification.

6. The localized solution production unit according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to vary a mixing speed based on the solution identification.

7. The localized solution production unit according to claim 1, further comprising a height adjustable platform coupling the pod dock to the container dock for adjusting a distance between the pod dock and the container dock.

8. The localized solution production unit according to claim 7, wherein the controller is configured to adjust the height adjustable platform based on the height of the mixing container positioned in the container dock.

9. The localized solution production unit according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to control at least one of a fluid temperature of the base fluid, fluid quantity of the base fluid, fluid flow rate of the base fluid, and mixing duration, based on the solution identification.

10. The localized solution production unit according to claim 1, further comprising a heating element configured to heat the base fluid.

11. The localized solution production unit according to claim 1, further comprising a scanner in the pod dock configured to scan a code on the concentrate pod.

12. The localized solution production unit according to claim 1, wherein the concentrate pod includes an electronic tag providing the solution identification.

13. The localized solution production unit according to claim 12, further comprising an electronic tag detection unit in the pod dock configured to detect the electronic tag on the concentrate pod.

14. The localized solution production unit according to claim 1, wherein the fluid source includes a fluid reservoir coupled to the pod dock, the fluid reservoir coupled to a pump configured to pump the base fluid from the fluid reservoir to the mixing container.

15. The localized solution production unit according to claim 1, further comprising one or more additive chambers configured to dispense an additive positioned in the one or more additive chambers into the mixing container.

16. The localized solution production unit according to claim 15, wherein the controller is configured to cause the one or more additive chambers to release at least one additive selected from a plurality of additives positioned in the one or more additive chambers into the mixing container.

22. The localized solution production unit according to claim 1, further comprising the concentrate pod.

23. The localized solution production unit according to claim 22, wherein the concentrate pod is positioned in the pod dock.

24. The localized solution production unit according to claim 1, further comprising an optical sensor configured to sense a height of the mixing container.

25. The localized solution production unit according to claim 1, further comprising at least one pressure sensor positioned on the pod dock.

26. The localized solution production unit according to claim 1, further comprising at least one capacitive touch sensor positioned on the pod dock.

27. The localized solution production unit according to claim 1, further comprising at least one sensor configured to detect submerging of the impeller by the distribution of the base fluid.

28. The localized solution production unit according to claim 1, wherein the mixing container includes a tag and wherein the localized solution production unit comprises a detection unit configured to read the tag on the mixing container.

29. The localized solution production unit according to claim 28, wherein the tag identifies at least one of a height and a volume of the mixing container.

17. A localized solution production unit for producing a solution from a concentrate pod comprising:

a mixing container including a mixing impeller rotatably coupled to the mixing container via an impeller shaft extending from a base of the mixing container, the mixing container including an opening at a neck of the mixing container;

a pod dock configured to removably receive the concentrate pod, the pod dock including a dock outlet, the concentrate pod including a sealable spout portion configured to be positioned in the dock outlet and extend therethrough, the sealable spout portion configured to release a concentrate from the concentrate pod into the mixing container;

a container dock coupled to the pod dock and configured to removably receive and engage the mixing container during a distribution of one or more of a base fluid flowing from a base fluid source and the concentrate released from the concentrate pod through the sealable spout portion of the concentrate pod, the container dock configured to retain the mixing container during a mixture of the base fluid and the concentrate, the container dock including an actuator and a rotatable coupling connected to the actuator, the rotatable coupling configured to rotatably actuate the impeller shaft to rotate the mixing impeller; and

a controller communicably coupled to the actuator and the base fluid source, the controller configured to select a mixing profile from among a plurality of mixing profiles based on a solution identification, the controller configured to cause the actuator to rotate the impeller to generate a vortex for mixing the base fluid and the concentrate based on the selected mixing profile,

wherein at least one of the pod dock and the container dock are configured to move with respect to one another so as to position the sealable spout portion into the opening at the neck of the mixing container to allow direct transfer of the concentrate from the concentrate pod into the mixing container.

18. The localized solution production unit according to claim 17, further comprising one or more additive chambers configured to dispense an additive positioned in the one or more additive chambers into the mixing container.

19. A localized solution production unit for producing a solution comprising:

a mixing container including a mixing impeller rotatably coupled to the mixing container via an impeller shaft extending from a base of the mixing container, the mixing container including an opening at a neck of the mixing container;

a concentrate container;

a concentrate spout coupled to the concentrate container, the concentrate spout configured to release a concentrate from the concentrate container into the mixing container;

a container dock coupled to the concentrate container and configured to removably receive and engage the mixing container during a distribution of one or more of a base fluid flowing from a base fluid source and the concentrate released from the concentrate container, the container dock configured to retain the mixing container during a mixture of the base fluid and the concentrate, the container dock including an actuator and a rotatable coupling connected to the actuator, the rotatable coupling configured to rotatably actuate the impeller shaft to rotate the mixing impeller; and

a controller communicably coupled to the actuator and the base fluid source, the controller configured to select a mixing profile from among a plurality of mixing profiles based on a solution identification, the controller configured to cause the actuator to rotate the impeller to generate a vortex for mixing the base fluid and the concentrate based on the selected mixing profile, wherein the container dock is configured to move with respect to the concentrate spout so as to position the concentrate spout into the opening at the neck of the mixing container to allow direct transfer of the concentrate from the concentrate container into the mixing container.

20. The localized solution production unit according to claim 19, further comprising a pump coupled to the concentrate container to pump the concentrate from the concentrate container through the concentrate spout.

21. The localized solution production unit according to claim 19, wherein the controller is configured to actuate the actuator to rotate the mixing impeller in response to dispensing of a pre-specified volume of the base fluid.

30. A localized solution production unit for producing a solution from a concentrate pod comprising:

a mixing container including a mixing impeller rotatably coupled to the mixing container via an impeller shaft extending from a base of the mixing container, the mixing container including an opening at a neck of the mixing container;

a pod dock configured to removably receive the concentrate pod, the pod dock including a dock outlet, the concentrate pod including a sealable spout portion configured to be positioned in the dock outlet and extend therethrough, the sealable spout portion configured to release a concentrate from the concentrate pod into the mixing container, the pod dock including at least one roller configured to move in the pod dock to squeeze the concentrate pod positioned in the pod dock and evacuate the concentrate from the concentrate pod;

a container dock coupled to the pod dock and configured to removably receive and engage the mixing container during a distribution of one or more of a base fluid flowing from a base fluid source and the concentrate released from the concentrate pod through the sealable spout portion of the concentrate pod, the container dock configured to retain the mixing container during a mixture of the base fluid and the concentrate, the container dock including an actuator and a rotatable coupling connected to the actuator, the rotatable coupling configured to rotatably actuate the impeller shaft to rotate the mixing impeller; and

a controller communicably coupled to the actuator and the base fluid source, the controller configured to select a mixing profile from among a plurality of mixing profiles based on a solution identification, the controller configured to cause the actuator to rotate the impeller to generate a vortex for mixing the base fluid and the concentrate based on the selected mixing profile.

31. The localized solution production unit according to claim 30, further comprising a user interface configured to receive an input providing the solution identification.

32. The localized solution production unit according to claim 30, wherein the controller is configured to vary a mixing speed based on the solution identification.

33. The localized solution production unit according to claim 30, further comprising a height adjustable platform coupling the pod dock to the container dock for adjusting a distance between the pod dock and the container dock.

34. The localized solution production unit according to claim 33, wherein the controller is configured to adjust the height adjustable platform based on the height of the mixing container positioned in the container dock.

35. The localized solution production unit according to claim 30, wherein the pod dock is configured to move the sealable spout portion of the concentrate pod into the opening at the neck of the mixing container for a direct transfer of the concentrate from the concentrate pod into the mixing container.

36. The localized solution production unit according to claim 30, wherein the controller is configured to control at least one of a fluid temperature of the base fluid, fluid quantity of the base fluid, fluid flow rate of the base fluid, and mixing duration, based on the solution identification.

37. The localized solution production unit according to claim 30, further comprising a heating element configured to heat the base fluid.

38. The localized solution production unit according to claim 30, further comprising a scanner in the pod dock configured to scan a code on the concentrate pod.

39. The localized solution production unit according to claim 30, wherein the concentrate pod includes an electronic tag providing the solution identification.

40. The localized solution production unit according to claim 39, further comprising an electronic tag detection unit in the pod dock configured to detect the electronic tag on the concentrate pod.

41. The localized solution production unit according to claim 30, wherein the fluid source includes a fluid reservoir coupled to the pod dock, the fluid reservoir coupled to a pump configured to pump the base fluid from the fluid reservoir to the mixing container.

42. The localized solution production unit according to claim 30, further comprising one or more additive chambers configured to dispense an additive positioned in the one or more additive chambers into the mixing container.

43. The localized solution production unit according to claim 42, wherein the controller is configured to cause the one or more additive chambers to release at least one additive selected from a plurality of additives positioned in the one or more additive chambers into the mixing container.

44. The localized solution production unit according to claim 30, further comprising the concentrate pod.

45. The localized solution production unit according to claim 44, wherein the concentrate pod is positioned in the pod dock.

46. The localized solution production unit according to claim 30, further comprising an optical sensor configured to sense a height of the mixing container.

47. The localized solution production unit according to claim 30, further comprising at least one pressure sensor positioned on the pod dock.

48. The localized solution production unit according to claim 30, further comprising at least one capacitive touch sensor positioned on the pod dock.

49. The localized solution production unit according to claim 30, further comprising at least one sensor configured to detect submerging of the impeller by the distribution of the base fluid.

50. The localized solution production unit according to claim 30, wherein the mixing container includes a tag and wherein the localized solution production unit comprises a detection unit configured to read the tag on the mixing container.

51. The localized solution production unit according to claim 50, wherein the tag identifies at least one of a height and a volume of the mixing container.